Backyard Pool

[cau]

Hi all, I'm asking for some input from pool owners, we are talking about puttin a above grd pool in our yard. It will be a BIG expense since we are not even fenced. Pros & cons if you have any ??cau

[dolphin]

If at all possible go with privacy wood fencing. Stay away from the less expensive Sears pools. Try to go to a dealer who has a good sturdy pool for a decent price, will deliver it and give all the advice and information for setting it up. Our dealer had a water testing area so we could even fix PH problems without a lot of expense. We paid about $900 for our above ground in Missouri and got a really nice used pump for $200. It's ok to buy the pump used. If you can find a used pool that's in decent shape, you could always buy a new liner for it and it would be great but putting those things up takes about 7 people and you can't do it on a windy day. Also, make sure you get a "solar cover" for it. They are very inexpensive (look like bubble wrap) and will heat your pool by atleast 10 degrees.

The main thing is to do your homework like your doing. Make sure you keep asking "is that all I need"? You are right about it being expensive but if you get a good sturdy pool and pump to start with you will be much happier with it for years and years.

[cau]

All good points, Thank You, cau

[YankeeMom]

Be sure to contact your homeowners insurance and find out how much (if any) your insurance will go up and any adjustments you will need to make on your policy

[Mamaw]

We had one for years for our children. Just took it down this last year and gave it away. It is a great investment. Be sure to buy from a good pool company and get a sturdy one. If you dont want to fence the whole area you can rig up a fence just around the pool and deck. We had one that actually was butted up against the pool wall itself, was about 7 foot high and stopped the beach balls when we played with them in the pool. Built a raised platform deck with a ladder that could be stored up which counted as fencing on that small portion. Check on the insurance costs involved, figure a small increase in electricity and include the cost of chemicals needed. Yes, it can get pricy but it is worth it

[sixfreds]

Well worth it!!!! We love our pool.
I would go with a pool company who has been around and has a good rep. And ask around to see who installes pools you want a good quality pool and someone who knows what they are doing installing it.

Have fun!! That is one of the best things we have done to this house is a pool...
Eileen

[momof42003]

I know around here when a pool goes in ALL the neighborhood kids want to be in it..... Definately check out the liability issues, because of having no fenced area to keep the kids out....Just a thought. Other than that have fun...

[SewCrafty]

Check with your local police or fire stations, some areas you HAVE to have a fence around it and it may have to be a certain height for safety.

I agree with the other ladies, although a pool is a lot of work, if you have kids, it pays for itself in no time. Also if you like swimming laps like I do, don't get a round one like we did, get the oval one.

We also had a propane heater, went through an entire tank (60 pounds) in one day because we didn't know how to regulate it! Very expensive! So we finally went with a solar heating system. It looks like a big black plastic thing that the water gets passed through in channels, the sun heats it up and it worked pretty good, much cheaper than propane.

[cau]

Thanks ladies, my dh checked with our village and got the specs & I have a call into my insurance man. My gd lives with us but we are getting it for us. We all love water. We have decided to put a fence up since their are so many kids in the area. we will feel safer. Any other thought would be ppreiiated. cau